The nature of work is changing, and so too are employee expectations. Health and well-being have taken centre stage in modern workplaces as employees increasingly seek more than just basic healthcare coverage.
Comprehensive benefits that support physical, mental, and preventative health are now key to attracting, retaining, and engaging talent. For global employers, designing benefits that support whole-person health is no longer optional; it is essential.
Employee benefits are no longer viewed solely as financial safety nets. Instead, they are seen as an extension of company culture and values, directly influencing employee engagement, morale, and loyalty.
Today, benefits must address:
Comprehensive health benefits are a strategic investment that supports both employee resilience and business performance.
Modern benefits strategies are evolving to become more:
Employers are increasingly incorporating digital health tools, wellness apps, telemedicine, and fitness memberships as part of their benefits mix. These offerings help to support day-to-day health and foster long-term well-being.
Robust benefits do more than keep employees healthy; they improve workplace outcomes. Studies show that employees with access to comprehensive health support are:
These outcomes are particularly critical in a globally mobile workforce where maintaining consistent care and communication is key.
Cisco has become a global benchmark for integrating well-being into the employee experience. The company has invested heavily in mental health, providing free therapy sessions, digital mental health tools, and peer support networks.
They have also redesigned their benefits to include:
This holistic approach has helped Cisco achieve high employee satisfaction scores and a strong employer brand globally.
Allianz supports international employers in building benefits strategies that are:
A strong example of this approach in action can be seen at Allianz UK, where mental health is a key pillar of the employee support strategy. In partnership with Able Futures (a UK government-funded mental health service), Allianz provides its employees with confidential access to qualified mental health professionals.
This initiative allows employees to seek support early, manage challenges proactively, and access guidance without stigma or barriers. It reflects Allianz’s commitment to:
Although this programme is UK-based, it demonstrates how employer–provider partnerships can be locally implemented and globally inspired. Allianz's ability to connect such services across markets supports consistent, fair access to mental health care, regardless of geography.
As the definition of workplace health and well-being evolves, so must the approach to employee benefits. Organisations that prioritise health and well-being through strategic, inclusive, and adaptable benefits will be best positioned to foster resilient workforces.
Allianz can help your organisation navigate this shift and deliver a benefits experience that supports your people and your performance.
On this International Day of Families and beyond, employers have the opportunity to rethink the role of healthcare benefits in supporting modern family life. A lifecycle approach ensures that benefits grow and adapt as employees' needs change, enhancing wellbeing across all stages of life.
